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Rockets win, hold LeBron to 22

HOUSTON — Three Houston starters recorded double-doubles and the Rockets survived a last-second 3-point attempt from Miami forward LeBron James to defeat the Heat 106-103 on Tuesday night at Toyota Center.

Houston center Dwight Howard (22 points, 16 rebounds) provided the defense on James as the clock wound down, forcing an errant shot than enabled the Rockets (41-19) to seal a sixth consecutive home win. Houston improved to 13-0 at home against Eastern Conference foes.

Having trailed the entire night, the Heat finally pulled even at 89-all on a pair of Wade free throws with 7:39 remaining. The teams exchanged four baskets until Houston seized control with a 7-0 run that included a Terrence Jones baseline jumper and a three-point play with 5:54 left.

The Heat (43-15) outscored the Rockets 8-2 down the stretch, getting a Michael Beasley (24 points) trey with 21.2 seconds left to cut the deficit to three. Following a Houston turnover, Miami mustered one last shot but James missed. James finished with 22 points — zero in the fourth.

Jones added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Rockets while guard James Harden had 21 points and 11 assists. Guard Patrick Beverley provided several timely jumpers for Houston and added 19 points.